The BLP Purge: Maria Agard Appears to be Undaunted
The government and DLP supporters are pleased for the distraction the Maria Agard disagreement with her political party offers. […]While there is possibly a majority view by Barbadians everywhere that the mauling of the affairs of the country is the worse we have experienced in the post Independence history by a government,
a politically fatigued citizenry appears eager to be distracted by the political class yet again. Political conflict is nothing new in our system of government and in the same way the DLP, on the surface it seems, appears to have recovered from the Thompson vs Mascoll episode so too will the Barbados Labour Party (BLP).
Of greater concern to the citizenry should be a governance system that is failing. The current state sees an inability of the citizenry to hold elected politicians accountable, demand transparency read Cahill deal, facilitate policy direction to stoke innovation and creativity, increase national productivity, insightful use of physical resources, align the private and public sectors to breed global competitiveness… Law and order have been enduring characteristics of our small island and have defined our way of life as Bajans – now gone like the wind.
Mia Mottley should recall the period when the gang of 5 deselected her as Opposition leader. She struck a tone that endeared her to Barbadians everywhere. She was particularly strong on the need for governance strengthening. We should be concerned that Maria Agard is being railroaded out of her safe seat because she dares to veer from the party line. It is not the first time members of a political party have expressed differences with the party line. In the USA the party Whips have their hands full to build consensus on many issues to support party positions. The fact that we have political parties demanding sheepish adherence to party positions and allow for zero space to entertain different positions – shaped by conscience for example – is where national debate should be the focus. If change is required to how political organizations are structured and ‘new blood’ is encourage to infuse the political parties with ideas why should the establishment not disengage from predictable behaviour and resist gang banging members who hold different positions.
The BU household has observed the interventions from the traditional players concerning Agard and her altercation with the BLP. Whether it is Wickham, George Bell, traditional media it all appears to be so orchestrated and disingenuous to those who are close to the issues. Take David Ellis and his position on air yesterday. How does one place so much faith in the workings of the executive of a constituency in Barbados? If Agard is prepared to challenge the influence less than a 1000 partisans bring to the table in order to defend principle issues why should the political party – represented by Mottley who was a proponent for change of the BLP constitution not so long ago – not discomfort itself to accommodate those who canvass for said change?
It is obvious to ALL there is conflict between Agard and Mottley. Those who follow local politics are aware of the dissent which has been fermenting from the time Agard by dint of hard work won the nomination from Bishop. Herbie and his establishment gang have never forgotten Agard the upstart. Didn’t the great Arthur have to ask Herbie to backoff in 2011 when she kicked Bishop’s ass? It appears Mia does not have the same long coat tail of Arthur to command order in that constituency and his heavily dependant on Jerome Walcott. It is payback time. It is clear Agard is seen as a trouble tree whose political head should be lopped of. And the BLP machinery is well on course to achieving that objective. It is the nature of politics, Machiavellian politics. Barbadians should not be so blind to not probe more deeply what is at play here. What has Agard done to deserve political assassination you ask? From where BU sits we see a young, bright female who is prepared to defend her positions even if it means butting heads with colleagues and or sacrificing her political career. How many sitting MPs are prepared to do the same? Mia Mottley as leader should be able to meet with Agard and negotiate a compromise position with the disaffected parties. The idea of killing an ant with a hammer, encouraging the infighting by siding with factions within the party is immature and gives insight to Mottely’s unwillingness to depart from the old way of practicing party politics in Barbados. Imagine Agard sitting in a Cabinet and or Parliamentary Group meeting giving her willingness to veer from the party line. How refreshing that would be to force decisions closer to the interest of the people!
BU will deal with Peter Wickham on another occasion. He has used his several platforms to spew perspectives on the Agard issue which are nothing more than he being disingenuous.
It is time Barbadians, educated Bajans, speak out about the injustice being meted out to the few who dare to challenge the establishment. To those who are lobbying for Agard cross the floor, where is the precedent that it will act as a catalyst for change? Have we seen it with Symmonds, Mascoll, Lashley, Prescod et al? Those who are members of the BLP need to step up and support the good lady. Even if she suffered a few indiscretions – as accused by the party – the point is she appears to be a committed a BLP supporter.
A good place to begin for Mottley is to recollect her position of a few years ago when she called for a overhaul of the BLP Constitution and was ignored. Agard and Mottley are probably not that far apart on the issues IF Mottley was genuine in her earlier positions.
Barbados Underground 
According to the statement issued by Mia the outcome of the meeting was a formality as the charges arriving at the threshold and the need for remedy prescribed within Blp Constitution having sufficient merit to oust Agard,
Which now leaves the issue laying on two constitutional planks one being that a politician is bound by the organization Constitution with an abridgement of their constitutional rights to freedom of speech which is govern by the law of the land
Secondly that justice as prescribed for an individual by the constitution can be denied within a political organization as so prescribed or dictated by the organization constitution .
Unfortunately for Mia society has been transformed into a global community with many eyes and ears all guided and dictated by technology world wide and issues of this manner which was once easy to resolve with a cuss word or so becomes magnified especially when it borders on the individual constitutional rights which be perceived as being trampled or abridge,
Mia you definitely have your work cut out your score on political points would not be sufficient to give you the ease or remedy to combat this issue
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Dr. Agard is a pawn in a game she does not understanding, playing against and with players who are masters of deception and trickery. The only ends not being served in this whole saga is Dr. Agard’s. It is always wise to not let people use you neck while playing high stakes poker.
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ac
Do you appreciate the clear distinction Mia has drawn between her style of leadership and that of the current PM? People of Barbados are watching and listening and waiting. The PM appears incapable of making a decision or making changes to his Cabinet, even in the face of clear and overwhelming need o do so yet Mia shows that she is willing to be the first leader of a political party in Barbados to expel a sitting MP from their party?
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Maybe Dr. Agard can run as a independent MP for Ch Ch West and ask Taan Abed to be the chairman of her branch there, what say you guys here on BU?
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@ Green
…so why don’t she dismiss Payne and the others who openly oppose her?
Sounds more like picking on easy meat…..
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In the ensuing chaos which certainly must come it is obvious that the plan to return OSA has been dealt a severe blow and the likes of Toppin, Payne and Symmonds must be in panic mode, racked with fear that their plan has been virtually destroyed.
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She does not need to dismiss Payne and the others because as you know they don’t have the numbers now to a threat to anyone including the MAM. They now relegated to just being a bunch of disgruntled men who don’t like the leader but can’t do a thing about it.
DO THEY NEED A SPOON FOR THE COLD SOUP OF REVENGE SERVED UP TONIGHT????
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Why is Peter Wickham making a statement about this matter? Is he on the Executive of the BLP?
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Now listen up Green View Mia last minute Resort of goose stepping politics did not erase the conundrum of her weakened state of leadership which has been eroded after six months of bashing with episodes of division in the party and now having to find an escape route by trampling on Agard Constitutional right.
AS Hal Gallop correctly stated this type of ousting based on the charges by which Mia stated is unprecedented and gives rise for further action based on Constitutional law which is the law of the land and not what laws are written in the BLP constitution laws that are indoctrinated on political wiring with an exemption to an individual rights
This issue goes beyond Agard being a politician but puts in question whether Mia if becomes PM would resort to such type of un-scholarly and scripted reasoning to make way for policies with an indifference to justice base on the laws of the land,
Most Constitutional Lawyers would be aghast at what occurred within the past 16hrs (ourso) and would hastily seek remedy through the courts for judgement and putting closure to a prescribed action by the BLP leadership which now sees out of allingment with equal and fair justice ,
Precedents of this manner cannot and should not be tossed aside leaving questionable gaps which would continue to deny and chip away the tenants of the Constitution,
There are rules within the law of the land which guides and protects all of society to which all is bound whether individual or classified as an organization
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ac
You continue to make yourself an ass. This is not about law, constitutional or otherwise. Do you remember how many men and women DT cut down, in a most vicious way, when he want to return and rule with absolute authority?
I don’t see why you are so upset especially since the DLP stand to benefit by getting a package deal of Arthur as Chief Economic Advisor and Agard as Chief Mischief Maker.
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The simple matter to consider is that Mia of the lot on offer polls miles ahead of all others, including Stuart. She has time for this matter to go away. The ball is in Agard’s court what kind of a disruptive force she can be to the BLP. The DLP politicos will obviously try all means to leverage the BLP fizzure to the advantage of the DLP because discussing the economy is a no go. Time will tell how this plays out.
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And furthermore Agard team does not have to pursue the issue on the merit she should be reinstated but on the obvious merit that the BLP Constitution goes against and is biased in natural justice through a process of elimination to deny the rights of freedom of speech to an individual
This issue is bigger than the BLP and its constitution and is worth the fight, for indeed in the finality Agard would become a champion and an advocate for justice
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@Green View
Agree with you, obviously Agard went into the matter eyes wide open and accepted the risk. We will have to wait to follow if she has a fight back strategy but her chances in the constituency has dissipated. Even if this is fought in the law court, at a personal level her career representing Ch Ch West was dealt a serious blow, if she runs as Independent it will obviously be as spoiler. If she runs at DLP she wins.
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On the bigger point BU is hopeful the Agard incident will help to promote change how we do our politics in Barbados. We continue to be too focused on individuals.
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@ The Consortium
I noticed that you have made the majority of contributions to this issue (something that was blatantly lacking on the CAHILL subjects).
Why should the BLP expelling Dr. Maria Agard be of such “emotional concern” to you, especially when it’s obvious you are not a supporter of the BLP?
“According to the statement issued by Mia the outcome of the meeting was a formality as the charges arriving at the threshold and the need for remedy prescribed within Blp Constitution having sufficient merit to oust Agard……”
You are misleading BU. I listened to the statement by Mottley and, according to her, the Council (NOT Mottley) made the decision to expel Agard because she failed to represent herself after being given of number of opportunities to do so. Agard walked out of the meeting, which, in the council’s opinion was a sign of disrespect. She was advised to have a representative present and came with two, Hal Gollop and Lynette Eastmond, both of whom the Council allowed. Gollop was also given an extra half an hour to make an additional submission.
“Now listen up Green View Mia last minute Resort of goose stepping politics did not erase the conundrum of her weakened state of leadership which has been eroded after six months of bashing with episodes of division in the party and now having to find an escape route by trampling on Agard Constitutional right.”
Again you have written nonsense. As I wrote previously, it is obvious you are not supporter of the BLP, and giving opinions based on what you think, which cannot be deemed as factual. What do you know about the BLP’s Constitution and how that party operates?
Mottley also stated that this Agard issue dated as far back as 2010, just after the St. John by-election.
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How are we focused on individuals David?
If that was true, we would be focused on the QUALITY of individuals; the history of their contributions; on their willingness and ability to KEEP THEIR PROMISES; on their vision for the future….
With such an approach, 90% of the current jokers would be locked up, and another 8% would be behind the gates at Black Rock.
Skippa, we are ‘focused’ on the tactics and shenanigans requires to keep power within the hands of a gang of losers and misfits who call themselves ‘the political class’, and although they have run the whole society to almost complete ruin, the brass bows that we all are…. we continue doing the SAME SHIITE, …while expecting different results.
Steupsss … If there was enough space the whole damn country should be locked behind the gates at Black Rock….
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@Bushie
We are saying the same thing.
All this talk is ho many of us try to stay relevant because we admire and aspire to the political class. We have become servants in the system which in its original form is meant to serve. Did you see how Mia was mobbed yesterday as if she was the last coming? No disrespect to Mia.
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yes all the BLP supporters would in all likelihood agree with the process of elimination as dictated by the BLP Constitution but again i reiterated the ass that i am would not disagree with the law of the land and it is protection of any individual freedoms which superseded any law or actions deemed right or permissible in any group or organization.
When one galvanize for actions that are indifference to the Constitution one should consider Who! or What will be next
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@David, frankly this is less a David and Goliath story and more a Charge of the Light Brigade. She is a Light-Brigader who charged suicidally, it appears. Where is the brave warrior armed to fell the mighty giant!
Maybe she has much of her gun-powder suitably dry and her secondary force strategically placed to sweep in and win the battle, because at this juncture of the fight she appears to have badly misunderstood and miscalculated the signs and have led her forces head-long to a crippling defeat and death.
Incidentally, Albert Brandford’s piece this week was an excellent context for this brouhaha. In the column he actually gave a preview of a new book on politics from Harold Hoyte and referred to how EWB completely controlled his DLP party council and contrasted that with the efforts by Tom to unsuccessfully enforce that same type of absolute preeminence on his BLP council.
He cited Hoyte’s recollection of how Dr Caddle was crushed and dismissed from the party after Barrow’s death when Caddle took on the DLP apparatus and entered the St. John by-election.
Very different circumstances for this doctor as she is the sitting MP. And maybe that is what led her to make these fateful mistakes…which when placed in context are not dissimilar to Caddle’s fight with his leadership.
For her sake – if she intended to remain in politics, that is – I hope she has a better plan than Dr. Caddle did.
Despite all the knowledge, history and intelligence available to these actors, we endure the suicide campaign by the military officer in charge of his ‘Light Brigade’; the death charge by a Gen. Custer and as Branford/Hoyte noted the failed political battles of men like Sir Mencea Cox and Dr. Ramases Caddle.
I am sure that Dr. Agard does not want to become just another historical footnote in the annals of Bajan politics.
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When all the dust is settled,Mia and the BLP will be the biggest losers.Mia is extremely strong in her constituency,however I am not seeing or hearing that support in the country Barbados.What most acknowledge is her smarts,her capacity to think on her feet,all followed by the inevitable ‘but’ or ‘however’.This Information Age is a game changer for politicians.
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@Dee Word
You and Brantford will have to wait to see how this matter develops.
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@David, what am I missing? If your political party dismisses you to what avail are you taking them to court? When did politics start being ran on principle?
The trend of this discourse has me wondering AGAIN what joy juice Bajans drink as it relates to our political expectations.
Politics here is the same as politics anywhere else. If you feel you are aggrieved by the party…then you go and start your own party — Like Barrow, like Haynes, like Caddle.
Or you cross the floor, like Mascoll or Lashley.
Or as the current T&T Prime Minister did you launch a complete take-over from within.
Politics is about power and personal charm in the final analysis so I am confused how a candidate who does not have the gravitas of personal power to sway forces against her party directorate (something even EWB could not do in the BLP, nor Haynes in the DLP) is going to be a modern catalyst for political change in this country—even with the powerful advent of this ting called social media.
This was a spiteful, nasty personal power battle and to date there is nothing that Dr. Agard has done to show that she is capable of being the long term victor.
So I must definitely be missing something very fundamental in this matter.
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So I must definitely be missing something very fundamental in this matter
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
…at last a sensible comment…..
Yes you are. …. it is called principle.
You are also wrong to ASSUME that ‘winning’ means staying in power; remaining in politics; being liked by you or others; being Mia’s pet ….; or any such shiite.
‘Winning’ means different things to different people…and you are in no position to judge this woman’s motives.
What you probably mean to say is that ‘IF IT WERE ME, then…….’
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@de Ingrunt Word November 23, 2015 at 8:02 AM #
You are correct in your summation on politics and you are missing nothing.
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Gabriel
You are biased against Mia, that is clear as day. Dr. Agard, much like Mark Maloney a few months ago gave Mia a perfect batting wicket to look prime ministerial to the nation.
Mia’s beheading in 2010 was a one-trick pony, it cannot happen against without the BLP losing another election and the base of BLP knows this.
There is probably residual support for OSA but that is miniature and totally ineffective to the overall desire of the BLP base to do only that which will better the chances of a victory in the next elections.
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Politics in Barbados is about power for the few, not service to the many. Could never understand those who flock around political leaders like that. Damned puppets on a string. Tell me what have these people done for BARBADOS to enjoy such adulation? Get a brain, Pinocchios and realize that MPs are PAID TO SERVE US NOT TO BE MASTER PUPPETEERS PULLING OUR STRINGS. Pathetic!
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I gotta say, I was leaning towards Maria until she showed up with Gollop. What else could they do but expel her?
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The PERFECT wicket is being prepared for the emergence of a REAL party of committed and competent Bajans to try to bring this country back from the precipice at which we are poised thanks to these two political parties.
Perhaps there are yet a few worthy Bajans SOMEWHERE ..who are praying for this country ….and perhaps this idiocy in BOTH these parties is a case of the wicket being rolled….
One wonders what Walter and Caswell think of the situation…?
Bushie is sure that Jeff sees the point… 🙂
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Mam is leader of the opposition in Parliament. What constitutes “the opposition”? Is it limited to only one political party? Can’t independent MP’s be part of “the opposition”, after all they are not part of government. Who selects the leader of the opposition, only BLP MP’s?
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Bush Tea
A new party has no chance whatsoever of success in less that 3 or 4 election cycles, if you doubt me as OSA what he told certain businessmen in Barbados who wanted him to form his own party. He told them, you have to have 15 years or more to wait, a potential leader of that new party who is young enough and energetic enough to wait for 15 years at least and you need about $2-3M a year for the 15 years and in addition for every election within the 15 year span you need $6 -10M to field a full slate of candidates.
Do you really think this national party politic business can be done on the cheap and done quickly??
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Willie’s,
Many of us are so fed up with what is currently on offer that it would certainly be worth a try. Owen may be thinking about the old Barbados. That’s all he knows. Maybe somebody should do a real survey. What about all those disenchanted non-voters. Who knows what would their response be?
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de Ingrunt Word November 23, 2015 at 7:40 AM #
“@David, frankly this is less a David and Goliath story and more a Charge of the Light Brigade. She is a Light-Brigader who charged suicidally, it appears. Where is the brave warrior armed to fell the mighty giant!”
I agree with your contribution, De Word.
However, I find many contributors are becoming “worked up” over this situation occurring in the BLP, with some sympathizing with Agard because of an obvious bias against Mottley.
Coincidentally, Dr. David Estwick has, on several occasions, attacked his party’s economic policies, the MoF and the PM. Fortunately for him, he has never been reprimanded nor has there been any attempt to expel him from the party. However, when “push comes to shove,” Estwick always “tows the party line” and support the same economic policies he previously criticize.
So far, what I have been able to gather is a situation where an MP has refused to work with her executive and members of her constituency has described her as a very poor representative. Under these circumstances Agard should have probably taken “a leaf out of Estwick’s book” and “tow the party line” or resign from the party if she was adamant she had no intension working with her executive.
But she is a political light weight when compared with Estwick.
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Attending the meeting with lawyers was not the smartest thing and signals three things.
One. The depth of this issue between Mia and Agard that she was prepared to utilize this aspect of theatrics previously unseen in politics. Mia used this fly weight to assert her hold on the party and to test the waters of allegiance as well as the persons who truly are behind her. In her post evaluation of the session using the videod materials, she and or any Machiavelli would watch the isokinetics of the parties there assembled and compose her lists
Two. Agard’s competencies as a strategist and a confident and capable speaker who, armed with a narrative constructed by a politically savvy crew, COMPLIMENTED BY A LAWYER, should have realized that the presence of the two lawyers would estrange an already not so amicable audience, euphemism for Mia Yes men. Since Agard is none of the former, and her advisers are even less so, she has been decimated by the first volley, if I use DIWs allegory of the Light Brigade
Three. Agard and party have no choice other than court if only on the principle of the matter and to have incorrectly flexed her legal options yesterday and retreat from the challenge today would cement de ole man’s assessment regarding Agard’s competencies and her fly weight status
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KLP (Kangaroo Labour Party)
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@ Donna
The Willie’s of the Barbados stratosphere who pretend knowledge of Owen Arthur’s analysis of the possibility that a third party will win, are plants who serve to dilute the very real issue of disaffected voters who abound in Bim.
A man in Bim does not need no $10 million to run no campaign all he needs is a message behind competent candidates and a megaphone and a truck to get his donkey in front people’s scvunts for the next two years, up in your face.
Twenty uh Dem and de BLP is dead. De ole man doan consider de DLP tuh be in de fight.
@ Artaxerxes
Estwick s play acting has to be set in its correct context.
PENSION!!
Nothing else and February next year is going to bring a new configuration and conflagration
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Piece
Then it should smooth sailing for OSA and Maria Agard. If they work quickly they could be sitting on the government benches after the next election as the government of the day, all as a new party.
THAT IS THE MOST HILARIOUS THING I HAVE HEARD FOR A VERY LONG TIME IN BARBADOS.
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Agard’s position was tenuous at best as she doesn’t have a power base like other MPs who may run afoul of the Party Establishment e.g. Payne & Estwick. It made the decision for the Party relatively easy to expel her and look forward to the next Election which is still constitutionally due in 2 years.
Anyone with a modicum of common sense could have predicted the outcome of the meeting, the only surprise was the walkout prior to any resolution. Talk about a lawsuit is so much fluff why would anyone want to join a Club that doesn’t want them, which is led by someone who views them as little more than an irritant that has little to offer and with whom they have locked horns. The courting of the good Doctor as her replacement while Agard was still the sitting member was the clear writing on the wall.
Her options are limited either sit as an Independent or join the DLP. As an Independent her voice will be muted so the latter option is a real possibility where the DLP can milk this development for all its worth and she can try to be the DLP’s flag bearer in the in the constituency in the next Election.
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@ Willie
Your counter is a non sequitur, I did not speak of Agard nor for that matter Owen, I spoke of competent candidates. (Owen Arthur is competent but there is the issue of his message, Agard possesses neither)
Ask yourself these questions
What is the Message of the DLP? Was it not printed in two successive manifestos? We’re their contents delivered? Did they not have adequate time to deliver them? Do such smack of competence?
What is the message of the BLP ? What have they, while an opposition in waiting, done to show their competence? Does the purging of dissenting opinion qualify as competence? Does the message resonate with you? Are you into mutilated genitalia?
I was very specific.
A message, for the times, going forward into a future which is not kindly to mono industry, nor anachronistic economies, administered by competent, proven men and women whose integrity is unquestionable and unwavering
“Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous …”
Willie, you feel that we could at least find 20? among 270,000???
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@Pieces, one can agree with part of your analysis of Willie’s comments with your remark, “… serve to dilute the very real issue of disaffected voters who abound in Bim”. But then you make the assertion ” A man in Bim does not need no $10 million …all he needs is … to get his donkey in front people’s ….” which completely dismisses the effect of the political campaigns of the last three – four cycles and the very modern methodologies of today’s politics.
I completely agree that it CAN be done, but as Donna said this is not EWB or Tom Adams’s Barbados afterall. Nor Eric Fly type disruption tactics. Your comments seems simplistic and unrealistic.
I suggest that…
The team would need to show Bajans with an excellent and well-coordinated campaign that they are in fact capable and ready to take over and run this government. And despite your rather dismissive tone that effort will take money, focused organization and some serious razzle and dazzle…and basic magaphone too!
This a Windows10, an Iphone6 pay as you go, instant information environment. This is BU in your face era. Razzle, dazzle and leading to new frontiers…are you showing your age with your suggestion….
Just asking!
BTW… 1..It’s impossible to completely dismiss a man like OSA as being non-relevant or not astute enough to understand current politics. As a comparison, how practical or realistic would it be to dismiss the excellent political brain of Bill Clinton as a ‘has-been’ of yesterday politics. OSA is a direct political comparison to a Bill Clinton.
2..It’s also impossible to diminish the significant political impact of large sums of money in Barbados’ politics (we know the role in plays in worldwide politics). Apart from the slick campaign materials, flyers etc to be produced, there is also the necessary get-out-the-vote efforts that need money for drivers etc; there are the political ads of course; the money for the team that have to mount the social media campaigns and of course the money to coordinate those megaphone rallies you mention. So maybe not $10M but some good coin nonetheless.
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What transpired yersterday maybe be the catalyst that is necessary for openess.yesterday remedy and its application as prescibed has given serious thought to how politics are designed with disregard.
Agard unwittingly might have opened a pandora box which if had remained close to all would be accepted as a normality and a right of passage.
If being called a lightweight has brought to lite a necessary need for justice and transparency her explusion was all worth the fight.
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@ Sargeant
I agree with most of what you posted at 9.56 am but whereas you state two options one for being an independent and the other to abdicate to the DLP you less count the current ambiance that led these two women to this point and ensuingly, given that you are thinking with your male parts, would seek to transfer your style of engagement on Dr. Agard
Her third choice is still court and if she was truly driven by principle it follows that her conviction would carry her there if she is intent on fighting the single person that she believes to be a despot in the making.
Jes saying…
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@ DIW
$$ will be needed yes, my qualifier and adverb should have been “most of all he needs a message…”
I did not dismiss Owen, he is very competent, he is very sage, he is politically astute but I extrapolated, rather posed the question rhetorically, of what would Owen s message have to be to galvanize the electorate?
He can’t do corn beef and biscuits no more, me and my generation, to whom such bittlelishness would have appealed, deading off, wunna young yams inti what is in it fuh me?
Yes there is a need for slick, Internet/computer savvy, gloss fluff so Fumble Homer prattle dun for.
I gine tell de granson tuh see if he cud get a pick…
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Piece
Let a new party form with competent candidates and see what happens, I bet you they don’t win one seat and in most instances the candidates will lose their deposits. Politics is big business in Barbados, after all why do you think the BLP just went through that PR nightmare, cause they wanted to? This is about power and control, and people seeking power and control will use all of their power and control to get more power and control.
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@ ac November 23, 2015 at 6:00 AM #
(1). “Now listen up Green View Mia last minute Resort of goose stepping politics did not erase the conundrum of her weakened state of leadership which has been eroded after six months of bashing with episodes of division in the party and now having to find an escape route by trampling on Agard Constitutional right.”
(2). “Most Constitutional Lawyers would be aghast at what occurred within the past 16hrs (ourso) and would hastily seek remedy through the courts for judgement and putting closure to a prescribed action by the BLP leadership which now sees out of allingment with equal and fair justice ,
Precedents of this manner cannot and should not be tossed aside leaving questionable gaps which would continue to deny and chip away the tenants of the Constitution”
What kind of standpipe lawyer you are pretending to be? Why don’t you do yourself a favour and let the real pseudo-lawyer of the ac consortium write on your behalf?
How have Ms Agard’s Constitutional rights been trampled on?
Is the BLP the State of Barbados? What “wrongs” have the State or its agents committed against Ms. Agard?
At least her lawyer, Hal G a self-acclaimed expert on Constitutional law, is not going down this cul-de-sac of ignorance of the Law.
As a matter of fact one of her Constitutional rights is being reinforced by her expulsion from the BLP. She has been given the grand opportunity to exercise her Constitutional right as underscored by Sec. 21 of the same Constitution:
“Except with his own consent, no person shall be
hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of assembly and
association, that is to say, his right to assemble freely and
associate with other persons and in particular to form or belong
to political parties or to form or belong to trade unions or other.
associations for the protection of his interests.”
Why not welcome the victim with open arms as she seeks refuge from the tyranny of Mottley & Co?
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@Artax
We can’t encourage ordinary Bajans to join parties and then crucify them when they promote an agenda for change. It is clear by what has happened in Ch Ch West party paramountcy is supreme. Yes Agard probably made mistakes but given the propaganda that has been waging against Agard BU is confident she had to bring this matter to a head. We can only hope the consequence s of her action will trigger change in how we do politics in Barbados. There is no reason why we cannot lead, and this is in constant reference to what happens elsewhere.
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Some contributors on this Agard saga is missing the bigger picture.The BLP is not a club!It is a mass based party and must of necessity accommodate all opinions especially if it is managed skillfully.Disruptive and socially unacceptable language should be censored but political manoeuvres and posturings are par for the course.The former is not an acceptable reason for expelling a sitting member of parliament.
It would be interesting to see “whom they will send” to defend the interests of the good people of ChCh West.I don’t think Dr Agard is a pushover.History is replete with examples of managers escorting staff with their boxes to the security gate only to be escorted themselves subsequently.
This BLP seem afraid of Hal Gollop.Maybe he knows too much as a party member and as an advocate in a matter involving the leadership of the party.
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@miller..”standpipe”maybe you should ask that question of Mia who is a sworn lawyer of the judicial system and whose right is to serve and protected the constituion and first and foremost but haphazardly agreed with the council/ with their dumfounding decision based on nine charges to expell
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@Independent
Bdos Constitution section 74
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@miller but then again u would not see the forest for the trees in as much as you and others holler about change .the change that you and others are seeking is only the type of change that would affect the ordinary citizens life.Most here are enamoured by a belief that if it is not broken do not touch it
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@ Gabriel November 23, 2015 at 12:28 PM
So Gabriel what is so difficult for Ms Agard to turn to the people who elected her in the first instance (her real boss) to decide on the matter?
Why not let the people of Ch Ch West have their say by way of a by-election?
From this by(e)-election Ms Agard under the cloak of victim mentality can then seek her own mandate on her own terms either as an Independent or on a DLP ticket.
If I were Freundel I would strike while the iron hot with this victimization and crucifixion of poor Ave Maria still fresh in the people’s mind and call snap general elections just after January 2016 just to show Mia who is really boss.
What sayest thou, Arch Angel and Chief Messenger?
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@Miller
And suppose she sees herself as a change agent?
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@ David November 23, 2015 at 2:40 PM
Change agents not only talk they also act upon their words. EWB did it!
Let Maria prove herself in that regard and stop griping behind an organization that has “lost its soul”.
But she also needs the moral authority to bring about that change you allude to. That authority can only come from the electorate in Ch Ch West either under her own flag of electoral independence or under the banner of the ruling DLP.
Let her act now!
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@ Chaucer
Thanks. Interesting… 6+7= 13.
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Miller
As you know you can count on my support when it comes to doing right for the country and by the country.Cast your mind back a bit.Do you recall the LOO marching to Bay St and demanding to see the PM only to be sent packing by a gate keeper?I am sure if it was JMGM as the PM he would have accommodated the lady in white and while the cameras were rolling,put so many licks in her that she would never attempt that again.On the other hand do you see OSA marching to Bay St and demanding to see the PM.I have my doubts if he would go down to that level to try to score political points.
Miller,Stuart doesn’t have a point to prove.Methinks MAM does.I would say the real politician like GHA,EWB,JMGM,David Simmons,Don Blackman and Fly would have all the available constituents marching down Roebuck Street yesterday like a Jesus being led to the court of Pontius Pilate.It would have had the effect of death by heart attack by all the Sanhedrin in there,the wicked effers.One thing is certain,Jerome is not the man to step forward.All like now the cock crow thrice for he and Darcy de Quisling.
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@Miller
It appears you have great faith in the electorate.
Leaders lead.
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S. 74(2) those members who do not support the government. The number is 14, therefore 8 required to elect a new Leader of Opposition.
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The big question is how will the parliamentary group respond. Will they toe the line. Can less than 8 make life uncomfortable for the LOO. Time will tell.
>
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@ Chaucer
LOL. One more Independent MP, intruiging. The power of Independent MP’s in Barbados. Who would ‘ve thought!!
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Miller
You know full well FS cannot strike while the iron is hot, strike at all or be involved with anything associated with iron, unless its steering him in the face, lol.
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One of the three:
Bostic
Sunderland
Bradshaw
One from three will give eight
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@ Chaucer
Or someone from the DLP can decide to sit as an independent.
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@ Gabriel November 23, 2015 at 2:56 PM
“On the other hand do you see OSA marching to Bay St and demanding to see the PM.I have my doubts if he would go down to that level to try to score political points.”
OSA would worse than that to stop MAM from ever becoming PM.
Can’t you see how he is allowing himself to be the laughing stock of the DLP with the offer of chief economic advisor to the government? Imagine a pope being advised by a rookie bell-ringer on matters of canon law!
I guess you too have forgotten the 2013 anti-OSA campaign portraying him as a wanted outlaw for practising paro economics of selling the country’s family silver for a fix of forex.
The 2008 campaign insults of mismanagement and misrule and accusations of blatant corruption and graft could be overlooked but certainly not the 2013.
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Sutherland is running with the hounds for his supper, Bradshaw sits on her left, this leaves Bostic.
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David,
This requires simple mathematics. In 2013 the BLP won 14 seats but subsequently lost OSA to the independent benches, 14 less 1 = 13. In 2015 the BLP kicked Maria Agard out of the party, 13 less 1 = 12.
In 2013 when the BLP Parliamentary Party decided on who to elect as LOO, Ms Mottley won by 8 to 5 as OSA absented himself. Maria Agard was one of the 5 who voted against Ms. Mottley but now she is no more.
The anti-Mia faction is now down to 4 members, Payne, Toppin, Symmonds and Sutherland. No ever Gline Clarke will follow Payne, Toppin, Symmonds and Sutherland in their foolish efforts to bring back OSA.
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If Dwight Sutherland was smart, he would throw himself lock, stock and barrel behind Mia and live to fight another day. He may not be able to do so given that his bread is buttered by Maloney and Rock Hard Cement, both of whom favour a return of OSA as he has always been good to the Bjerkhamn Group.
If my memory serves me correct, Dwight Surtherland still has to face a nomination in St.George South.
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@ Willie’s
You forgot the man from St Joseph.
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Pure entertainment.
“Shocking and absolutely callous!”
“In an unprecedented move, Dr Agard, who was elected in the last election as the BLP’s representative for Christ Church West, has become the first sitting member of the Barbados Parliament to be expelled from a party.”
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@ David November 23, 2015 at 2:57 PM #
“It appears you have great faith in the electorate.
Leaders lead.”
You are right, leaders do lead! But in a democracy with free and fair elections only with the support of the electorate; tacit or otherwise. If that is not the case to be always striving for, you could as well close down the schools and stop boasting about a well-educated population aka an enlightened electorate with a Pol Pot type of leader.
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http://www.barbadostoday.bb/2015/11/22/absolutely-callous/
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@Miller
Do we teach civics in our schools?
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Independent
You are right, add Marshall from St.Joseph and Mia enjoys a 7 to 5 majority. Pre-expulsion, the OSA loyal faction was a total of 6, a bit too close for Mia’s comfort.
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@ Willie’s
I also think you’re wrong about Gline Clarke, very wrong. So, how’s it stacking up now? Simple maths you said. LOL Power to the independents!
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@ David November 23, 2015 at 3:23 PM #
“Sutherland is running with the hounds for his supper, Bradshaw sits on her left, this leaves Bostic.”
It seems you do not know who Jeffrey Bostic really is.; from which family cloth he is cut.
You just stated an undeniable fact about leaders must lead.
Now do you really feel the BLP is electable without MAM at this stage of the political game?
Who would take over the position of LOO? Unless MAM is unable to ‘serve’ as the LOO I cannot see how the BLP would attract national appeal sufficient to remove the DLP in the next election cycle.
For sure much of her admiration and support from the general electorate would simply dissipate or express its disgust by way of a protest vote.
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Wendell Callender makes the interesting point the BLP won all five Ch Ch seats in 1994, and four in 2003. We have a situation where the BLP won one in 2013 and now have none in 2015 as a result of an expulsion…😀
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It is time to launch an official investigation into vote buying allegations.
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@Miller
You are being blinded by your rabid defense of your party. You need to factor machinations in the BLP simmering for a long time. Mia has to show she can deal with the heat, this Agard matter is part of it. The DLP has not even started to throw the lesbian thing at Mia yet. A lot of heat to come her way still.
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@ David
Mia is the DLP’s biggest asset.
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Bradshaw desires to be Leader of Opposition
Sutherland is indebted to George Griffith
Bostic business is in the deep red
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@ Willie’s November 23, 2015 at 3:41 PM
Explain something to me Willie.
Let us assume that MAM is removed (by whatever method or reason) as the LOO.
Who then would become the LOO?
For sure OSA would have to give up any thoughts or consideration of becoming the DLP administration’s Chief Advisor on Economic & Financial matters.
How would he look opposing the government who is implementing his well-thought-out and advised policies?
Same thing goes for any person so appointed as LOO who appears to be backing OSA against MAM.
“ If, in the judgment of the Governor-General, the Leader
of the Opposition no longer is able to command the support of
a majority of those members of the House of Assembly who do
not support the Government, or, as the case may be, the
support of the largest single group of such members who are
prepared to support one leader, the Governor-General may
revoke the appointment of the Leader of the Opposition.”
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David November 23, 2015 at 12:10 PM #
“We can’t encourage ordinary Bajans to join parties and then crucify them when they promote an agenda for change….”
David I seem to be ignorant of this entire situation, especially since you introduce “promoting an agenda for change.” I thought the fall out between Agard and the BLP came as a result of her refusing to work with the elected branch executive………….. and not advocating for a revolution of the political system.
I’m sorry, but perhaps someone can explain to me what has Agard done to be characterized as an “agent of change.”
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What I find interesting is the guy Peter Wickham “issue” a press release and BU ignoring him completely.
David Ellis today was under some intense pressure from the Trini baje who is a diehard Dem.Ellis was cornered trying to defend Mia by posturing that Trini don’t know the whole story.Then Tall Boy call to support Trini and chastise Ellis for defending Mia and won’t allow Trini to speak.My take on it is both Trini and Tall boy got points.Since Ellis was dismissive of Trini not being seised of the facts,I would have thought Ellis would have enlightened her.No such thing.Ellis getting to be what Joe Tudor would call a poppet.
Let it be made clear.Tall boy is not the only stinging bee that fleeing the hive.The present hive en got no stingers.Its bumbling bees in dey so.
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@ The Blogmaster
You certainly are on the right track with that simple matter you submittted.
One Million $$ to the victim of the bitten Pokey, or a verifiable source of said story, followed by a video exposee on Vimeo or YouTube of the excised parts, and the “dog dead”
Some uh de fellas gine gots to come a tek a few lessons at de school of Electorate Disruption and Public Perception.
A lot uh peeple tinks dat MAM does confuse the Rules of Engagement wid de Laws of War. Wunna know dat dere is a law about shooting people parachuting out of an airplane in distress? Well when wunna dun read up pun dat tek into consideration whu Maria Agard have fine out yesterday by sheself whu rules de Leader uh De Opposition will employ when she want a ting!!
Wid de prize of Prime Minister in her dreams when de night come whu Agard did expecting?
De Governor General Elliott Belgrave, GCMG, CHB, QC is not have de testicular fortitude to do what my friend the Sage Anunnaki is suggesting.
De udders are also in for a rude awakening given the precedence that this strategic purging of Agard represents so Jeffrey, Gline, Ronald Dale, Kerrie and even de hat man now gine realise that them antics is not impervious to Purging by the LoO
However there is still our man Owen, who, so long as breath in he body, ent gone let dat happen doah … fuh reasons dat only known to heself and a few udders…
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@Artax
Are you sure she wasn’t able to work with her Executive? Let us start with Roosevelt. Let us discuss Herbie who Arthur had to speak to give his long coat tail. Let us discuss for 10 points.
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@ David November 23, 2015 at 3:51 PM #
“You are being blinded by your rabid defense of your party. You need to factor machinations in the BLP simmering for a long time.”
LOL!!!
David you mean “rabid defense” of MAM the duly appointed LOO and ‘elected’ BLP leader?
As I have stated before the current BLP is and will not be as popular among the electorate as the DLP as long as Mia is not the leader, pure and simple.
The 2013 elections where Froon put a whopping in OSA behind is clear evidence of that. Maybe in the future when the present crop of leaders leave the political scene.
So how can I be blinded by party and can still see this “fact” or political reality?
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Too much emotion.
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@enuff
Do you agree with the decision to expel Agard?
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It is what I expected especially when Hal Gollop became involved.
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@ David November 23, 2015 at 3:51 PM
“The DLP has not even started to throw the lesbian thing at Mia yet.”
Being one for equal opportunity what about the bulling thing at her opposite number?
What jackass for a man would wear a wedding ring without a wife unless he has something to hide in the closet?
What is wrong with a lesbian being PM? Do you think it would be setting a regional, far less worldwide, precedent?
Hasn’t Barbados signed on to the UN charter of human rights which prohibits discrimination against people based on gender or sexual orientation?
Cammie Tudor the architect of Barbados’s Independence , if he were alive, would be most upset with such aspersions ( or as Jepter “Physical Deficit” Ince would say ‘aspirations’) being cast about Mia’s private life.
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@Miller
Relax, the simple point is that the DLP hatchet people will unleash this attack in waiting on Mia (PM in waiting) as soon as it looks like she has overcome all challengers. The time will come then for you to throw your lot into the debate.
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Bearing in mind the people-oriented, rather than MP-centric, brand of politics champoned here on BU, I would have thought the executive branch (volunteerism?) would have garnered more support from the same resident “change agents”. We are forever vacillating!!
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@enuff
Please!
You know the Executive in that constituency has never given the lady a break.
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@ David
LOL
You sure that Enuff ain’t in the running for that seat now…?
Enuff is a man of few words…
but he smart as shiite yuh.. 🙂
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@ David November 23, 2015 at 5:54 PM
All the more reason why she should have distanced herself from the BLP at the onset of the controversy and run as an Independent or under the team-playing DLP banner if she really wants to be that change agent for a better Barbados.
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Miller why u keep interjecting the PM name into the BLP fights he does not have time to be a referee in this nasty fight As he probably would say to You he does not have nor own a dog in this fight
Btw the last time the PM Stuart was asked or encouraged to take one of the Blp ministers off the hands of OSA he declined ,Don.t you remember, and that minister was Mia,
Now the fowls have come home to roost after six years, Deal with them
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@ ac November 23, 2015 at 6:46 PM
You were backing Maria during the whole fiasco and egging her on to do bad and kick Mia’s ass. Now that she has foolishly followed your advice you are about to drop her like a hot potato. Is she now seen as damaged goods not to be touched with a barge pole painted yellow and blue?
The fight is over and even Hal Gollop knows that. Why not welcome the political refugee into the DLP rainbow camp of peace and love.
Poor Maria she has been used, abused and now refused.
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Continue posting HERE.
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